History Creator / USANetwork

* ''Pacific Blue'' (1996-2000)[[index]]

Starting in TheNewTens, USA began moving away from its "Blue Skies" programming concept and deliberately commissioned series that were significantly DarkerAndEdgier and HotterAndSexier than the frothy procedurals the network had become known for. Shows like ''Series/{{Suits}}'', ''Series/{{Complications}}'', ''Satisfaction'', and ''Series/MrRobot'' all featured dramatic storylines along with more swearing, sex, and drug use. Even older comedic shows like ''Series/RoyalPains'' started veering towards drama rather than laughs. To some, this symbolized USA's entry into a DorkAge as the response to many shows was that they were being "adult" simply for the sake of being "adult" rather than actually addressing mature themes through meaningful stories. The fact that outside of ''Series/{{Suits}}''[[note]]the first of the darker shows that acted as a transition away from the Blue Skies concept by keeping the Blue Skies-era's core idea of the two main characters having a strong platonic relationship[[/note]] and ''Series/MrRobot''[[note]]which is truly unique in its concept and execution[[/note]] many of these new shows had short runs seems to be testament to that. In fact, not a single USA show that debuted from 2012 to 2015 managed to survive. However, it is a decision USA stuck to. When ''Series/RoyalPains'', the last of the "Blue Skies"-era shows, ended in 2016, USA no longer had any truly family-friendly programming on its slate or in development.

Then, by The New Twenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment as well as limited series. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward (though some events on NBCSN will be simulcast on USA prior to the closure). This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s. USA currently only has one ongoing scripted programs, ''Series/{{Chucky}}'', which is shared with Creator/{{Syfy}}.

Then, by The New Twenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward (though some events on NBCSN will be simulcast on USA prior to the closure). This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s. USA currently only has one ongoing scripted programs, ''Series/{{Chucky}}'', which is shared with Creator/{{Syfy}}.

Then, by UsefulNotes/TheNewTwenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward (though some events on NBCSN will be simulcast on USA prior to the closure). This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s. USA currently only has one ongoing scripted programs, ''Series/{{Chucky}}'', which is shared with Creator/{{Syfy}}.

Then, by UsefulNotes/TheNewTwenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward (though some events on NBCSN will be simulcast on USA prior to the closure). This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s. Like Syfy, which mostly transitioned into a glorified movie channel in the late 2010s, USA currently only has two ongoing scripted programs, [[Series/{{Chucky}} one of which]] is shared with each other.

* ''Series/BurnNotice'' (2007-13)

* ''Check it Out'' (1985-88), a NoBudget Canadian sitcom (co-produced by USA), which was an adaptation of the notably bad British sitcom ''Tripper's Day''. It's all about a fictional supermarket and its weird crew of employees, centered on the OnlySaneMan store manager played by [[Series/GetSmart Don Adams]], of all people. It managed to run three seasons (''Tripper's Day'' only lasted one).[[/index]]

* '''''Series/TheSinner''''' (2017-18, 2020-present)

* ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' (1995-97)
* ''Smush'' (2001-02) -- Short-lived game show hosted by [[Series/RemoteControl Ken Ober]].

* ''Series/WhiteCollar'' (2009-14)[[/index]]
* ''WesternAnimation/WingCommanderAcademy'' (1996)

* ''Calliope'' (1980-83), a response to Creator/{{Nickelodeon}}'s ''Series/{{Pinwheel}}''. It was originally aired on the New York-based MSG Network.

Starting in TheNewTens, USA began moving away from its "Blue Skies" programming concept and deliberately commissioned series that were significantly DarkerAndEdgier and HotterAndSexier than the frothy procedurals the network had become known for. Shows like ''Series/{{Suits}}'', ''Series/{{Complications}}'', ''Satisfaction'', and ''Series/MrRobot'' all featured dramatic storylines along with more swearing, sex, and drug use. Even older comedic shows like ''Series/RoyalPains'' started veering towards drama rather than laughs. To some, this symbolized USA's entry into a DorkAge as the response to many shows was that they were being "adult" simply for the sake of being "adult" rather than actually addressing mature themes through meaningful stories. The fact that outside of ''Series/{{Suits}}''[[note]]the first of the darker shows that acted as a transition away from the Blue Skies concept by keeping the Blue Skies-era's core idea of the two main characters having a strong platonic relationship[[/note]] and ''Series/MrRobot''[[note]]which is truly unique in its concept and execution[[/note]] many of these new shows had short runs seems to be testament to that. In fact, not a single USA show that debuted from 2012 to 2015 managed to survive. However, it is a decision USA stuck to. When ''Series/RoyalPains'', the last of the "Blue Skies"-era shows, ended in 2016 and USA longer had any truly family-friendly programming on its slate or in development.

This ushered in USA's "We the Bold"-era. Coinciding with the quiet retirement of the network's "Characters Welcome" tagline, this new phase sees USA Network doubling down on its DarkerAndEdgier programming. Its original-scripted programming is now entirely made up of intense dramas conceived to push the boundaries of what's acceptable on basic cable. As a consequence of this decision, future ''Series/{{Psych}}'' movies will be jumping over to NBC's Peacock streaming service as its cheerful nature is now the antithesis of USA Network's current slate.

Then, by UsefulNotes/TheNewTwenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward (though some events on NBCSN will be simulcast on USA prior to the closure). This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s.

!!Some other notable USA Network programs and blocks:

* ''Series/{{Airwolf}}'' (1987 episodes) -- The final season of this show was made for this channel, though it was known as the season with NoBudget.
* "Back-to-Back-to-Back ''Series/{{NCIS}}''" (an eight-hour block of ''NCIS'' every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)

* ''Series/BumperStumpers'' (1987-1990) -- Canadian-produced game show from Dan Enright and Wink Martindale. Hosted by Al Dubois, and aired in Canada on Global TV.
* ''Series/BurnNotice''
* ''Calliope'', a response to Creator/{{Nickelodeon}}'s ''Series/{{Pinwheel}}''
* ''Campus Cops'', a mid-1990s sitcom
* ''Check it Out'', a NoBudget Canadian sitcom (co-produced by USA), which was an adaptation of the notably bad British sitcom ''Tripper's Day''. It's all about a fictional supermarket and its weird crew of employees, centered on the OnlySaneMan store manager played by [[Series/GetSmart Don Adams]], of all people. It managed to run three seasons (''Tripper's Day'' only lasted one).
* ''Commander USA's Groovie Movies'' (1985-1989) -- Showcased horror and science fiction movies on Saturdays and Sundays.

* ''Series/{{Complications}}''
* ''Series/CommonLaw''
* ''Series/CovertAffairs''
* ''Series/{{Damnation}}''
* ''Dance Party USA'' (1986-1992) -- Philadelphia Dancing program. Originally a local series on WPHL-TV from 1981 to 1987 called ''Dancin' On Air''.
* ''Series/DareMe''
* ''Series/TheDeadZone''
* ''Dig''
* ''Series/{{Donny}}''
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Duckman}}'' (1994-1997) -- Animated series from the creators of ''Rugrats''.

* ''Series/FairlyLegal''
* ''Series/FallingWater''
* ''The New/$40,000 Series/ChainReaction'' (1986-1991) -- Canadian-produced revival hosted by Blake Emmons for a short while, and then by Geoff Edwards. Aired in Canada on Global TV. (USA also aired reruns of the Cullen version before this version premiered.)
* ''Series/{{Graceland}}''
* ''Series/InPlainSight''
* ''Series/{{Jackpot}}'' (1985-1988) -- Canadian-produced revival hosted by Mike Darrow, and aired in Canada on Global TV.

* ''Series/LawAndOrderCriminalIntent'' -- in this case, actual new episodes instead of just reruns, until the series ended in 2011.
* Lots of reruns of various ''Franchise/LawAndOrder'' shows (except for the original, to which TNT/Sundance/We/WGN/Ion co-own the rights)
* ''Series/ModernFamily''
* ''Series/{{Monk}}''
* ''Series/MrRobot''
* ''Series/NecessaryRoughness''
* ''Night Flight'' (1981-1988) -- Aired on Fridays and Saturdays late at night. A freewheeling compendium of music videos, concert films, CultClassic movies (mainstays included ''Film/ReeferMadness'' and ''Film/PinkFlamingos''), plus live-action and animated shorts. In its final year, it introduced ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' to the continental United States with a ''[[Series/KagakuSentaiDynaman Dynaman]]'' parody dub.
* ''Pacific Blue''
* ''Series/PlayingHouse2014''

* ''Series/{{Psych}}''
* ''Series/ThePurge'' - a 10-episode miniseries based on [[Film/ThePurge the film series of the same name]].
* ''Series/QueenOfTheSouth''
* ''Radio 1990'', a music video show
* ''Series/RoyalPains''
* ''Series/{{Rush 2014}}''

* ''Series/SavedByTheBellTheNewClass'' (1993-2000) -- Was rerun from 1997 to 2001.
* ''Series/{{Shooter}}''
* ''Series/SilkStalkings'' (1993-1999 episodes) -- After two seasons on CBS from 1991 to 1993, this crime drama jumped ship to USA for its next six seasons.
* ''Series/TheSinner''
* ''Series/{{Sirens|US}}''
* ''Smush'' (2001) -- Short-lived game show hosted by [[Series/RemoteControl Ken Ober]].
* ''Strip Poker''
* ''Series/{{Suits}}''
** ''Series/{{Pearson}}'' (spin-off)
* ''Series/TattooedTeenageAlienFightersFromBeverlyHills'' (1994) -- USA’s second “sentai” show (after ''Dynaman''), as well as their attempt at producing a completely American take on ''Power Rangers'' that didn't have footage recycled from a tokusatsu series.
* ''Series/{{Treadstone}}'', a miniseries set in the world of Film/TheBourneSeries.
* ''Series/{{Unsolved}}'', a true crime series.
* ''USA Cartoon Express,'' a block of classic and new cartoons which ran from the 1980s until 1996 when it was rebranded as the ''USA Action Extreme Team.'' Originally showed Creator/HannaBarbera and Creator/RubySpears cartoons that had little to no syndication demand (and weren't licensed by Ted Turner); Turner bought up the entire HB and RS libraries when forming Cartoon Network, leaving the Cartoon Express with a random assortment of pre-existing cartoons and lower-quality original cartoons until the change to ''Action Extreme Team.'' That block, which featured (in addition to ''Sailor Moon'') Universal creation ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad,'' ''WesternAnimation/SonicTheHedgehogSatAM'', ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'', as well as four original series: one based off ''ComicBook/TheSavageDragon,'' ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' (following up from the Universal movie), ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatDefendersOfTheRealm,'' and ''WesternAnimation/WingCommanderAcademy'' (all of those shows once had a CrossThrough arc involving the "Warrior King" chasing down a powerful sphere through all four shows' universes). It lasted until 1998 in favor of {{infomercial}}s and more endless repeats of ''Series/{{Wings}}'', which defined the network's image in the mid-to-late 1990s.
* ''Series/USAHigh'' (1997-1999) -- Teen comedy from the creators of ''Saved by the Bell''.[[/index]]
* ''USAM'' -- A comedy block consisting of ''Series/AmericasFunniestHomeVideos'' (the Saget years), ''Wings'' and some of NBC's few 1990s "Must See TV" failures getting a second life as morning {{Filler}}.
* ''USA Fun and Games'', for lack of a better term, which ran from 1984 to 1995 with such shows as ''Series/TicTacDough'', ''Series/{{Pyramid}}'', ''Series/PressYourLuck'', ''Series/TheJokersWild'', ''Series/HighRollers'', ''[[Series/TheHollywoodSquares The New Hollywood Squares]]'', ''Series/{{Scrabble}}'', ''Series/SaleOfTheCentury'', ''Series/Wipeout1988'', ''Series/CaesarsChallenge'', and the Canadian game shows mentioned above; they also ran two original game shows from [[Series/ShopTilYouDrop Stone-Stanley]] [[Series/LegendsOfTheHiddenTemple Productions]] in 1994: ''Free 4 All'' and ''Quicksilver''.
* ''USA Saturday Nightmares'', a horror-movie block that ran on Saturday nights in TheEighties and eventually merged with ''USA Up All Night''
* ''USA Tuesday Night Fights'' (1982-1998) -- Boxing program hosted by Al Albert and Sean O'Grady
* ''USA Up All Night'' (1989-1998) -- A late-night interstitial program showcasing edited versions of cheesy B-Movies that typically ran on Friday and Saturday nights from 1989 to 1998. The successor to ''Night Flight'', it counts as a MorePopularReplacement that is still fondly remembered by longtime viewers.[[note]]though some, such as the author of ''Literature/WhatWereTheyThinkingThe100DumbestEventsInTelevisionHistory'', were not pleased that many of the films shown were {{bowdlerize}}d despite being shown in the hour where they would have been shown uncut and uncensored[[/note]] Creator/GilbertGottfried hosted on Saturdays from the beginning of the run in January 1989 to the end in March 1998, Caroline Schlitt hosted on Fridays from June 1989 to December 1990, and Rhonda Shear replaced her on that edition from January 1991 to March 1998. After that, only the name remained as the banner for overnight movies until 2002. Creator/AdamSandler's debut film ''Film/GoingOverboard'' (under its alternate title ''Babes Ahoy'') was featured on the show before he even joined the ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' cast.[[index]]
* ''Series/TheWarNextDoor''
* ''[[Series/WeirdScience Weird Science: The Series]]'' (1994-1997) -- Based on the 1985 film of the same name.
* ''Series/WhiteCollar''

* Other Wrestling/{{WWE}}/WWF programming:
** ''Miz And Mrs.'' (2018-present): A ''Series/TotalDivas'' spinoff focusing on Wrestling/TheMiz and Wrestling/{{Maryse}}.
** ''Tuesday Night Titans'' (1984-1986): A talk show in which Wrestling/VinceMcMahon interviews WWF talent interspersed with sketches, included several genre parodies with Wrestling/MrFuji.
** ''WWF Action Zone'' (1994-1996): A Sunday morning program which featured high-quality matches between top talent for its first two years.
** ''WWF All American Wrestling'' (1983-1994)
** ''WWF Heat'' (1998-2000): the Sunday night show which served as a pre-show on pay-per-view weeks.
** ''WWF Livewire'' (1996-2000): For a portion of its run it was a call-in talk show.
** ''WWF Mania'' (1993-1996)
** ''WWF Prime Time Wrestling'' (1985-1993): the direct predecessor to ''Raw'' on Monday nights.
** ''Wrestling/WWEToughEnough'' (2011, 2005)
[[/index]]

->'''[[Creator/JasonSudeikis Host]]''': What is ''Series/BurnNotice''?
->'''[[Creator/AshtonKutcher Contestant]]''': Well, I know it's on USA, and I know that ''characters'' are ''welcome'' there. Sooooo...it's a show about...characters?
->'''Host''': Can you be more specific?
->'''Contestant''': No.

* ''Series/USAHigh'' (1997-1999) -- Teen comedy from the creators of ''Saved by the Bell''.

* ''USA Up All Night'' (1989-1998) -- A late-night interstitial program showcasing edited versions of cheesy B-Movies that typically ran on Friday and Saturday nights from 1989 to 1998. The successor to ''Night Flight'', it counts as a MorePopularReplacement that is still fondly remembered by longtime viewers.[[note]]though some, such as the author of ''Literature/WhatWereTheyThinkingThe100DumbestEventsInTelevisionHistory'', were not pleased that many of the films shown were {{bowdlerize}}d despite being shown in the hour where they would have been shown uncut and uncensored[[/note]] Creator/GilbertGottfried hosted on Saturdays from the beginning of the run in January 1989 to the end in March 1998, Caroline Schlitt hosted on Fridays from June 1989 to December 1990, and Rhonda Shear replaced her on that edition from January 1991 to March 1998. After that, only the name remained as the banner for overnight movies until 2002. Creator/AdamSandler's debut film ''Film/GoingOverboard'' (under its alternate title ''Babes Ahoy'') was featured on the show before he even joined the ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' cast.

The USA Network is a cable channel owned by Creator/{{NBC}} Creator/{{Universal}} (initially it was owned together by Universal, Creator/{{Paramount}} and Creator/{{HBO}}, but HBO sold their stake in 1987 and Paramount sold out in 1997). Initially debuting as the Madison Square Garden Network from 1977 to 1980 ([[SimilarlyNamedWorks no, not the one that shows the Knicks and Rangers]], although they were staples of the network's early years). Over the years, it has shown a variety of series and events, most notably ''Wrestling/WWERaw'' and ''[[Wrestling/WWESmackdown Smackdown]]'' (until it moves to Creator/{{Fox}} in 2019), ''Series/{{Monk}}'', ''Series/{{Psych}}'', ''Series/BurnNotice'', the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and U.S. Open UsefulNotes/{{tennis}}.

Starting in TheNewTens, USA began moving away from its "Blue Skies" programming concept and deliberately commissioned series that were significantly DarkerAndEdgier and HotterAndSexier than the frothy procedurals the network had become known for. Shows like ''Series/{{Suits}}'', ''Series/{{Complications}}'', ''Satisfaction'', and ''Series/MrRobot'' all featured dramatic storylines along with more swearing, sex, and drug use. Even older comedic shows like ''Series/RoyalPains'' started veering towards drama rather than laughs. To some, this symbolized USA's entry into a DorkAge as the response to many shows was that they were being "adult" simply for the sake of being "adult" rather than actually addressing mature themes through meaningful stories. The fact that outside of ''Series/{{Suits}}''[[note]]the first of the darker shows that acted as a transition away from the Blue Skies concept by keeping the Blue Skies-era's core idea of the two main characters having a strong platonic relationship[[/note]] and ''Series/MrRobot''[[note]]which is truly unique in its concept and execution[[/note]] many of these new shows had short runs seems to be testament to that[[note]]In fact, not a single USA show that debuted from 2012 to 2015 managed to survive[[/note]]. However, it is a decision USA seems to be sticking to. ''Series/RoyalPains'', the last of the "Blue Skies"-era shows, ended in 2016 and USA no longer has any truly family-friendly programming on its slate or in development.

This ushered in USA's "We the Bold"-era. Coinciding with the quiet retirement of the network's "Characters Welcome" tagline, this new phase sees USA Network doubling down on its DarkerAndEdgier programming. Its original-scripted programming is now entirely made up of intense dramas that were conceived to push the boundaries of what's acceptable on basic cable. As a consequence of this decision, future ''Series/{{Psych}}'' movies will be jumping over to NBC's Peacock streaming service as its cheerful nature is now the antithesis of USA Network's current slate.

Some other notable USA Network programs and blocks:

* ''USA Up All Night'' (1989-1998) -- A late-night interstitial program showcasing edited versions of cheesy B-Movies that typically ran on Friday and Saturday nights from 1989 to 1998. The successor to ''Night Flight'', it counts as a MorePopularReplacement that is still fondly remembered by longtime viewers[[note]]though some, such as the author of ''Literature/WhatWereTheyThinkingThe100DumbestEventsInTelevisionHistory'', were not pleased that many of the films shown were {{bowdlerize}}d despite being shown in the hour where they would have been shown uncut and uncensored[[/note]], Creator/GilbertGottfried hosted on Saturdays from the beginning of the run in January 1989 to the end in March 1998, Caroline Schlitt hosted on Fridays from June 1989 to December 1990, and Rhonda Shear replaced her on that edition from January 1991 to March 1998. After that, only the name remained as the banner for overnight movies until 2002. Creator/AdamSandler's debut film ''Film/GoingOverboard'' (under its alternate title ''Babes Ahoy'') was featured on the show before he even joined the ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' cast.

* ''Night Flight'' (1981-1988) -- Aired on Fridays and Saturdays late at night. In its final year, it introduced ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' to the continental United States with a ''[[Series/KagakuSentaiDynaman Dynaman]]'' parody dub.

* ''USA Up All Night'' (1989-1998) -- A late-night interstitial program showcasing edited versions of cheesy B-Movies that typically ran on Friday and Saturday nights from 1989 to 1998. One of the network's most beloved originals by longtime viewers[[note]]though some, such as the author of ''Literature/WhatWereTheyThinkingThe100DumbestEventsInTelevisionHistory'', were not pleased that many of the films shown were {{bowdlerize}}d despite being shown in the hour where they would have been shown uncut and uncensored[[/note]], Creator/GilbertGottfried hosted on Saturdays from the beginning of the run in January 1989 to the end in March 1998, Caroline Schlitt hosted on Fridays from June 1989 to December 1990, and Rhonda Shear replaced her on that edition from January 1991 to March 1998. After that, only the name remained as the banner for overnight movies until 2002. Creator/AdamSandler's debut film ''Film/GoingOverboard'' (under its alternate title ''Babes Ahoy'') was featured on the show before he even joined the ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' cast.

* ''Check it Out'', a NoBudget Canadian sitcom (co-produced by USA), which was an adaptation of the notably bad British sitcom ''Tripper's Day''. It's all about a fictional supermarket and its weird crew of employees, centered on the OnlySaneMan store manager played by [[Series/GetSmart Don Adams]], of all people.

* ''USA Up All Night'' (1989-1998) -- A late-night interstitial program showcasing edited versions of cheesy B-Movies that typically ran on Friday and Saturday nights from 1989 to 1998. One of the network's most beloved originals by longtime viewers[[note]]though some, such as the author of ''Literature/WhatWereTheyThinkingThe100DumbestEventsInTelevisionHistory'', were not pleased that many of the films shown were {{bowdlerize}}d despite being shown in the hour where they would have been shown uncut and uncensored[[/note]], Creator/GilbertGottfried hosted on Saturdays from the beginning of the run in January 1989 to the end in March 1998, Caroline Schlitt hosted on Fridays from June 1989 to December 1990, and Rhonda Shear replaced her on that edition from January 1991 to March 1998. After that, only the name remained as the banner for overnight movies until 2002.

* ''Check it Out'', a Canadian sitcom (co-produced by USA) and an adaptation of the notably bad British sitcom ''Tripper's Day'', centering around a fictional supermarket and its weird crew of employees. Notably, the main character was played by [[Series/GetSmart Don Adams]].

Then, by UsefulNotes/TheNewTwenties, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of 2021, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward. This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s.

Then, in 2021, rumblings of another new phase began to emerge, marked by USA's shift away from scripted programming in favor of cheaper, unscripted entertainment. This was signaled by the announcement of NBC Sports Network ceasing operations by the end of the year, with most of its sports coverage moving to USA Network afterward. This could signal a return-to-the-roots sort of phase, where USA had a more diverse variety of programming until the mid-'90s.

One of USA's notable [[AccidentalPun characteristics]] from the early 2000s onward has been their programming choices and their focus on unique characters, which gave the network the [[{{Slogans}} tag line]] ''USA: Characters Welcome'' . They like to make new shows, with unique premises, starring talented but largely unrecognized C- or D-list actors, but with an optimistic edge to their characters who are usually [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Jerks with Hearts of Gold]] and promoted by the network under a theme known as the "[[http://intersectedlightly.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/usa-networks-blue-skies-theme-is-it-right-for-chuck/ Blue Skies]]" concept. This has worked out pretty well; how many Emmys did ''Series/{{Monk}}'' win again?[[labelnote:answer]]Six[[/labelnote]] Often, they guest-star actors from cancelled shows on sister NBC Universal networks Creator/{{Syfy}} and NBC.

Starting in TheNewTens, USA began moving away from its "Blue Skies" programming concept and deliberately commissioned series that were significantly DarkerAndEdgier and HotterAndSexier than the frothy procedurals the network had become known for. Shows like ''Series/{{Suits}}'', ''Series/{{Complications}}'', ''Satisfaction'', and ''Series/MrRobot'' all featuring dramatic storylines along with more swearing, sex, and drug use. Even older comedic shows like ''Series/RoyalPains'' started veering towards drama rather than laughs. To some, this symbolizes USA's entry into a DorkAge as the response to many shows is that they're being "adult" simply for the sake of being "adult" rather than actually addressing mature themes through meaningful stories. The fact that outside of ''Series/{{Suits}}''[[note]]the first of the darker shows that acted as a transition away from the Blue Skies concept by keeping the Blue Skies-era's core idea of the two main characters having a strong platonic relationship[[/note]] and ''Series/MrRobot''[[note]]which is truly unique in its concept and execution[[/note]] many of these new shows have short runs seems to be testament to that[[note]]In fact, not a single USA show that debuted from 2012 to 2015 managed to survive[[/note]]. However, it is a decision USA seems to be sticking to. ''Series/RoyalPains'', the last of the "Blue Skies"-era shows, ended in 2016 and USA no longer has any truly family-friendly programming on its slate or in development.

* ''USA Cartoon Express,'' a block of classic and new cartoons which ran from the 1980s until 1996 when it was rebranded as the ''USA Action Extreme Team.'' Originally showed Creator/HannaBarbera and Creator/RubySpears cartoons that had little to no syndication demand (and weren't licensed by Ted Turner); Turner bought up the entire HB and RS libraries when forming Cartoon Network, leaving the Cartoon Express with a random assortment of pre-existing cartoons and lower-quality original cartoons until the change to ''Action Extreme Team.'' That block, which featured (in addition to ''Sailor Moon'') Universal creation ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad,'' ''WesternAnimation/SonicSatAM,'' ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'', as well as four original series: one based off ''ComicBook/TheSavageDragon,'' ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' (following up from the Universal movie), ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatDefendersOfTheRealm,'' and ''WesternAnimation/WingCommanderAcademy'' (all of those shows once had a CrossThrough arc involving the "Warrior King" chasing down a powerful sphere through all four shows' universes). It lasted until 1998 in favor of {{infomercial}}s and more endless repeats of ''Series/{{Wings}}'', which defined the network's image in the mid-to-late 1990s.

* ''Series/{{Shooter}}''

* ''Silk Stalkings'' (1993-1999 episodes) -- After two seasons on CBS from 1991 to 1993, this crime drama jumped ship to USA for its next six seasons.

* ''USA Cartoon Express,'' a block of classic and new cartoons which ran from the 1980s until 1996 when it was rebranded as the ''USA Action Extreme Team.'' Originally showed Creator/HannaBarbera and Creator/RubySpears cartoons that had little to no syndication demand (and weren't licensed by Ted Turner); Turner bought up the entire HB and RS libraries when forming Cartoon Network, leaving the Cartoon Express with a random assortment of pre-existing cartoons and lower-quality original cartoons until the change to ''Action Extreme Team.'' That block, which featured (in addition to ''Sailor Moon'') Universal creation ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad,'' ''WesternAnimation/SonicSatAM,'' ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'' and even ''WesternAnimation/DogtanianAndTheThreeMuskehounds,'' as well as four original series: one based off ''ComicBook/TheSavageDragon,'' ''WesternAnimation/StreetFighter'' (following up from the Universal movie), ''WesternAnimation/MortalKombatDefendersOfTheRealm,'' and ''WesternAnimation/WingCommanderAcademy'' (all of those shows once had a CrossThrough arc involving the "Warrior King" chasing down a powerful sphere through all four shows' universes). It lasted until 1998 in favor of {{infomercial}}s and more endless repeats of ''Series/{{Wings}}'', which defined the network's image in the mid-to-late 1990s.